A Simple Guide to Choosing A Roofing Contractor

Finding a legitimate contractor can seem daunting. From never-returned calls to broken promises about when projects will be complete, a nightmare contractor can leave a horrible taste in your mouth. And, when it comes to your roof, a poorly communicating contractor is the last thing you want to hire.

So, how do you find the right people for the job? Here’s a handy list of tips to get you through the not-so-painful process of finding the perfect roofing contractor for your home or business.

  1. Find referrals. Has your neighbor recently had roofing done? If so, inquire who they used, and whether they liked how it turned out. For more thorough questions, check out the reference questions listed at the end.
  2. Read internet references. Google is a great place to start for this, but shouldn’t be the last step.
  3. A roofing contractor should have been in business for years. While everyone has to start somewhere, it doesn’t need to be on your roof. Contract someone who is well-established, uses a real address instead of a P.O. Box, and comes with a list of references.
  4. Request the contactor’s business licesnse and insurance. This is straight-forward and if your roofing contractor can not quickly supply those, move on to someone else. It is not worth the risk and can leave you paying thousands of extra dollars for repair.
  5. Finally, when you ask for a proposal, it shouldn’t be scratched on the back of a receipt. A formal proposal should include a complete description of the job, all the material expected to be used, details on how the work will be done, the expected start and end date, and finally, the cost. Don’t agree on a handshake and some chatting; a formal typed up proposal is how you will find the best people for the roofing job.

QUESTIONS TO ASK REFERENCES

So, you’re pretty set on your roofing contractor, you’ve got a list of names and numbers to call for references, and you’re ready to order those shingles. First though, what questions should you ask from references? Simply asking a potential reference if they like the work done won’t give you the answers you are seeking. Instead, note any anxieties or hesitations you may have, and use those as a starting point. The following are examples of questions you may want to consider asking.

  • Were the roofing workers considerate and professional?
  • After the job was finished, was the yard area left as clean as it had been found, or was there litter, old shingles, and cigarette butts left near the construction?
  • Was the final project cost in line with what was originally quoted? If it was significantly more expensive, why? (If each reference notes that it was more expensive than quoted, you can either bill that in mentally, or seek a different roofing company.)
  • Did the contractors make an effort to protect your landscaping and house facade from shingles?

If you’re looking to get started on your search for a great roofing contractor, call Rhode Island Remodeling. We’re happy to supply a list of references so you can run through your questions, and we will work to make sure you are completely satisfied with your roofing proposal before we even begin tearing off your old shingles. Call or email us today to get started.